Parliament and the law

How are rules made and who can influence this procedure? This unit will introduce you...

How are rules made and who can influence this procedure? This unit will introduce you to the rule-making processes in of the UK Houses of Parliament in Westminster. You will examine how laws are enacted and how it is possible for unelected bodies and people to influence the content of such laws.

After studying this unit you should be able to:

explain how Acts of Parliament originate;

discuss the process by which rules become law;

understand the role of Parliament in making legal rules;

understand the difference between primary and delegated legislation;

understand the role of delegated legislation;

read and discuss Acts of Parliament;

evaluate the influence of pressure groups on the law-making process;

read academic articles and make notes of the important legal principles expressed in these articles;

Parliament and the law

Introduction

This unit is designed to introduce you to the supreme law-making body within the UK: the UK Parliament situated at Westminster, London. You will also examine the wide variety of sources that influence Parliament including constituents, pressure groups and Parliamentary subcommittees. This unit will also introduce you to the skills required in reading legal cases, reading and understanding Acts of Parliament, taking notes and summarising ideas.

This study unit is an adapted extract relevant to The Open University course W100 Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law, which is no longer taught by the University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

The Open University

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